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Pope Leo paints beautiful image of a bishop’s calling
Confirmed
In Short: Bishop Barron discusses the beauty and spiritual significance of French cathedrals in a new film set to debut in theaters.
Bishop Robert Barron, a prominent Catholic figure, reflects on the profound impact of his time spent in France, particularly in its magnificent Gothic cathedrals, during an interview with OSV News. He emphasizes how these architectural marvels have deepened his biblical understanding and inspired him to lead with beauty in his apostolate.
The 90-minute documentary, produced by Word on Fire, features Bishop Barron walking through the Gothic cathedrals of France, sharing his insights and sense of wonder. The film, which will premiere in theaters nationwide, is set to debut just days before Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France, adding a layer of significance to the project.
Pope Leo XIV, in his address to recently ordained bishops, emphasized the importance of being both a bishop and a disciple. He encouraged them to spend time with Jesus and to learn the names of the people in their flock, urging them to have the heart of a good shepherd, devoted to the Father and to their brethren.
The Pope also highlighted the value of 'vicinanza' — closeness or proximity to others — as a key aspect of Capuchin identity and ministry. This value was central to an international assembly of Capuchin bishops held in Assisi, Italy, where they exchanged experiences of evangelization and found encouragement in their shared ministry.
The assembly, organized by the Capuchin minister general and his council, offered essential support to bishops serving in mission territories. Bishop Barron’s film and the Pope’s address both underscore the importance of beauty and closeness in the spiritual leadership of the Church, reflecting themes of peace and unity that are central to Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.
What's confirmed
- Bishop Robert Barron, a prominent Catholic figure, reflects on the profound impact of his time spent in France, particularly in its magnificent Gothic cathedrals, during an interview with OSV News. He emphasizes how these architectural marvels have deepened his biblical understanding and inspired him to lead with beauty in his apostolate.
- The 90-minute documentary, produced by Word on Fire, features Bishop Barron walking through the Gothic cathedrals of France, sharing his insights and sense of wonder. The film, which will premiere in theaters nationwide, is set to debut just days before Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France, adding a layer of significance to the project.
- Pope Leo XIV, in his address to recently ordained bishops, emphasized the importance of being both a bishop and a disciple. He encouraged them to spend time with Jesus and to learn the names of the people in their flock, urging them to have the heart of a good shepherd, devoted to the Father and to their brethren.
- The Pope also highlighted the value of 'vicinanza' — closeness or proximity to others — as a key aspect of Capuchin identity and ministry. This value was central to an international assembly of Capuchin bishops held in Assisi, Italy, where they exchanged experiences of evangelization and found encouragement in their shared ministry.
- The assembly, organized by the Capuchin minister general and his council, offered essential support to bishops serving in mission territories. Bishop Barron’s film and the Pope’s address both underscore the importance of beauty and closeness in the spiritual leadership of the Church, reflecting themes of peace and unity that are central to Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.
What's still developing
- “They deepened my biblical sensibility; they convinced me that beauty is a route of access to God; they led me to more fervent prayer; they made me a more effective evangelist,” Bishop Barron, who serves as the writer, presenter and an executive producer for the documentary, told OSV News.
- “While we have the privilege of filming in beautiful places all the time, I can’t particularly say that I’ve ever filmed anywhere quite as beautiful as the Gothic cathedrals of France,” he said.
- Bishop Barron, together with Father Steve Grunow, the CEO of Word on Fire, and Branden Stanley, the chief creative officer at Spirit Juice Studios, spoke about the 90-minute film and their involvement in it ahead of its debut in theaters nationwide Sept.
- "Everyone must find a place in the Bishop’s heart, for everyone already has a place in the heart of Christ," he said.
- "Among the many things you will be called to do as Bishops, this is the most important. We are Bishops, but we are first and foremost disciples," the Pope said.
- Regarding the bishops' care for priests, the Pope urged special care for elderly and unwell priests.
- Finally, the Holy Father quoted again a line from St. Augustine that he offered on the day of his election and his first address to the People of God: Saint Augustine, speaking about his people, said: “ Vobis enim sum episcopus, vobiscum sum christanus ”, “for you… I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian” ( Sermon 340, 1).
- Addressing recently ordained bishops, the Holy Father spoke of their call to discipleship and shepherding, offering both encouragement and exhortation.